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CORAL CORONATION CUP - ROMFORD 575m

12/01/2015

Live on SIS & Sky Sports 2 HD From 7pm

What an amazing start to 2015 we have had and if the action enjoyed during the Coral Coronation Cup is anything to go by then we are set for an incredible year. This competition has grown in stature since it's early days at Southend. It's one of the youngest competitions in our sport not starting till 1981 but it's become one of the most important kicking off the open-race competition calendar. Supporters of Adageo Bob must feel like they've been on a roller coaster of emotions but he is still in it and a worthy favourite to claim the £5,000 first-prize.

Adageo Bob is a standing dish at Romford over the 575m course on a Friday night but for all that he's wowed the racing public he's yet to land a big title there to go with his undoubted talent. It took a traffic jam to end his dreams of landing the Essex Vase which forced him to turn up late. He came out on the supporting card and put in a breath taking display to stop the clock in a track-record of 34.67 +20 the £10,000 to-the-winner final was won in 35.37 +20. In 2013 he was runner-up in the Essex Vase behind kennel mate Reel Trickyone but perhaps it's now his time to shine. He gave everyone a scare in round-one when he turned the last bend in front but he cramped up and just scraped through in third position. It was almost normal service resumed in the semi-final when he posted the quickest time of 35.02 +30. He did seem to tighten up close home but it gives a measure of just how good he truly is. The worrying aspect for his rivals is Bob has scope for improvement and he is very much the greyhound they've all to beat.

It's far from a one dog race - Hometown Day deserves a special mention; this will be his 100th race. What a servant and credit he's been for Maxine Locke. The biggest danger to Bob probably comes from Maxine's other runner Droopys Marian she's been very impressive and looks to be hitting top form at the right time. I caught up with Maxine to get her thoughts before the big final;

Maxine Locke

"We are delighted to have two runners in the final and it's an incredible start to 2015. It's extra special because it will be Hometown Day's 100th career run. He's been a brilliant dog for us. Droopys Marian is a bitch that is running at the top of her game right now and we are so proud of both of them. It means so much to us to be involved in these finals on our home track we are still buzzing from the Adoremus victory in the Essex Vase. If we could manage to win this it would be incredible. Both of our greyhounds are very well and not without a chance. I'd like to thank the owners for their support, all my kennel staff and of course Coral for their sponsorship. Tuesday night will be brilliant, I plan to enjoy it and hope all the greyhounds come off safe and well. Good luck to the other finalists and may the best greyhound on the night win".

Mark Wallis is also represented with two runners; Vanfrenchie is here on merit and looks to be a greyhound that will have a big 2015.

Cast your mind back to December 2012 and Kevin Boon sprung a huge surprise sending out Star Cash Simon to win the Essex Vase at 20/1. He's back at Romford this time with Farneys Cookie and you should never write him off. He's been running well and very much deserves his place in this quality final.

Soviet Kenny for John Mullins would have to put in a career best effort if he is to figure but he is a greyhound that potentially is open to the most improvement.

The scene is set for what will be a wonderful night of greyhound action. It's live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7pm but if you can get yourself to Romford I'm pretty sure you will have a night to remember.